Biography requested as I started serving as 1st counselor in the new Dayton Ohio North Stake

 Since a youth I have had the blessing of being close to the spirit.  As a child I sang "I hope they call me on a mission" and I indeed did grow a foot or two.  A bit more actually. But as I sang it as a special number a few times, I would struggle to get through it without being overwhelmed by the spirit.  The spirit has been a partner my entire life. This further helped me stay close to the gospel as my patriarchal blessing from my beloved grandfather gave me the hopeful outlook that the "seeds of apostacy will never enter your heart." I felt the power of the reality of priesthood blessings when nothing could cure my pain in the medical field, but after days of anguish a priesthood blessing ended the pain instantly. Proving to me the reality of that heavenly power.

Later as I was in the MTC and read the Book of Mormon with new fervor, I had an experience that I can never deny nor turn from.  Because of a direct answer to prayer I know it is the word of God and is a basis for all I know to be true. I have no doubt.
My wife has also been a source of earthly salvation for me. I was counseled to use my mind and my heart and both have proven to be a blessing in having an eternal companion who is so good, so close to God, that angelic is appropriate.
Early on we were shopping for a grill for our new home.  After we got out of the store I realized it was the priesthood session of general conference and I was missing it. A wave of guilt formed over me and since that time we have had things such as general conference, temple appointments etc be more important and more in focus for us and we have never missed since.  It changed me.
Being sealed in the temple and having five wonderful children born in the covenant has been a promise I cling to.  As some have made choices that take them from the gospel, the promises of covenants and the blessing inside the temple bring hope to me daily.
Both of our parents have served missions, and during one when my father was across the world, a difficult time came while selling our family business.  I was blessed to be able to call him and after all was said, he uttered words that have seared into my soul, and helped me put things in perspective the rest of my life.  He simply said, "Oh Danny, don't be bitter."  It has proven to be worth everything in how to look at hard times and how I can react to choices of others.
As I have served in young men programs nearly all my adult life, I have witnessed how good they are and how much the spirit can help their conversion.  I have come to believe that one of the best places to help them truly feel the impact of the spirit and for them to learn, along with develop a strong tie to their leaders because of the spiritual experience, is on campouts. Many are memorable as I think of discussion missions around a fire and having their guard down as they ask questions of the soul.  And being able to share with them my mission experiences in Norway and sharing my love of the country and people with them.  Hoping to inspire them to serve themselves one day, which many, many have.  I am grateful for their examples to me.
I believe that we do not live multiple lives, work life, home life, church life, but that they are all one, I am the same regardless of where I am and each one affects the other for good.  I have learned from Elder Robbins about being 100% responsible and have used that to motivate and inspire my teams at work to be more and do more than they felt they could.  I feel we can always be 100% responsible for doing more that we think, not having full control of every aspect, but we do have full control over what we can do.  And we can act, not be acted upon.
As a parent I focused on teaching my kids to work.  And work hard. We would work projects for others in home improvement (extreme hobby of mine, not profession) and as we remodeled kitchens, or later entire houses, we would take the money we got paid and their portion and my portion would go to their mission funds.  It helped them to feel a real sense of ownership for funding their missions and yet when they got home, we had replaced all those funds so they could use them for education etc.  It helped them to be responsible for their own choices and sacrifices.  As I have renovated entire homes, I have learned it is my place where I "create."  Where I can make something beautiful that others have cast off.  And create a place where families can bring treasured memories to life.  I use this skill now to serve others and help teach other youth life skills, hard work, and having the spirit with them even when fixing plumbing.
I have worked and travelled globally a lot the past decade. Into China and Europe and other Asian countries.  As I have done so I have learned how wonderful people are everywhere, and I have learned I love developing people into more than they believed they could be.
My personal mission statement remains "True at all times" so I may live my life with integrity.

Temple name miracle

These past few weeks have been wonderful. We worked at the temple Saturday morning and I continue to learn and grow the depth of my understanding. Then Tuesday we went to the temple baptisms with our ward. Then again Saturday I invited my quorum (the Priests) to join me in a temple trip. We had 7 of them come join me and serve in the temple baptistery. Each of them that wanted to had the opportunity to not just get baptized for their family file names but also to baptize others at the session and one of their peers.
But, the purpose of the journal entry:
On Tuesday Val and I drove from work directly to the temple. What a joy to travel that time together. We even dropped off a package for Elder Christensen who had been transferred while we were in Utah meeting his family in Hyrum and bringing the package back.
As we went to the temple we took 10 names from the male baptisms to take in that session with us. I figured I could do 5 and give 5 to someone who did not have any names with them. The rest of the names Val had found we saved for the Priests temple trip.
As we waited I found another young man who did not have names and I gave him 5 so we could get the work done and so he could have family file names. Then we went into the baptistery. It was decided that I would really just be a patron so I was able to do the names I had with me. After I watched and been recorder for a while it became my turn. I had watched a young man get baptized by his father, then proceeded to baptize his father, mother and sister. So it was great to have him, as another of the Priests to then baptize me. He was quite worried as I am much bigger than he. But he did wonderful and will always remember baptizing his bishop. As we did the names I instinctively stopped and prepared to exit after the 5 names.
But, the names were not done. There were still two more to do. I was confused but continued and then prepared for confirmation. As they did the names in confirmation it was again more than expected. I asked them to count the names again and they counted seven. So as they recorded the work being done I asked them one last time to count the names. Seven. It was then that I declared to all present, and with firm belief that there were at least two that had really needed their work done that day. Because I KNOW that I walked into the baptistery with only five names that day. But seven were done. All Scandinavian. It was a miracle of the work that is done in the temple. It’s personal and real. More and more I feel many there as their work is done.
I hope that all of my family will always keep the temple close to their hearts and will choose to serve often in the temple.
3 John 1:4

A Parent's Aspirations

This week was really great. So many reasons to realize I still have not hit my prime. 

1. Work is more fun than for a long time, in spite of more challenges than ever

2. Wonderful evidences of God's love coming from my calling

3. Amazing instruction and learning from visiting general auxiliary presidencies from SLC

4. Insight into my aspirations for my children as a result of comments from Sis. Stevens from the RS general presidency. 

First, work is getting more fun. I am spending more time working issues at an organizational level and less as the "grind out the details" level.  It is fun to see the impact and progress that can be had, and to work with, coach, and help others rise to new levels they had not seen in themselves before. Additionally we have more problems than ever, with some very serious, but it is fun to take those on, and to be a spot of positive light amidst the gloomy outlook of so many. It actually becomes fun to try and see what we can solve and work to ensure a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders. 

Next, I have had a wonderful few weeks where evidence of the atonement is clearly working in the lives of others. They have deep and sincere desires to become what He wants them to be. And they are succeeding. There are challenges and setbacks, but overall there is wonderful progress and I work hard to help them see that when they don't always see it in themselves. When we focus on Christ all other things can settle down and get put into their right place. Not be made into an overwhelming problem but to be made to be a challenge we can win. 

Third, we had Sis. Cordon, Sis. Oscarson, and Sis. Stevens from the primary, YW, and RS visit our area Friday. Great leadership training and then a wonderful general women's session. It was a great treat to attend with mom and to spend so much time with her. It is at times like this that I more fully realize the "pleasing word of god" and it's Lon term affect on me and what I truly desire. 

Last, Sis. Stevens talked to us about what our aspirations were for the sisters of RS. As I pondered this it made me go into a revelatory mode that helped me begin a list of what aspirations I have for my children. I have created for myself a vision of values and learnings that have and will guide my life. But this caused me to think about what I want most for my children. So....please think about these and consider how they are in your life. And work to bring further "joy" to your fuddy duddy dad. 

Here they are, my aspirations for my children:

1. Have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ

2. Know how to qualify for, receive, and act upon personal revelation.

3. Not only be saved by grace, but be changed by grace. 

I am sure that this list will grow over time, and there are others to add, but it is a remarkable start. If you really want to please your dad you will send me a note with your thoughts, personal evaluation, and honest intentions of where you are/will work to be better in these and where you are not currently planning on changing. 

I love you all forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

A thought this week

As I was working on my talk, and as I was going through this week, I was listening to conference from October. One talk caused me to ponder quite a while.  It referenced the Latin root castus which means to purify, and also is tied to the word we know as chaste. To chasten then is to purify. 

When I pondered on this I eventually rested on the scripture in Hebrews 12:6. Whom I the Lord love, I Chasten. When we think of the Latin root we come to:

Whom I the Lord love, I purify. 

Quite the change in any train of thought I have previously had in my life. 

It is remarkable how we can continue to learn and understand throughout our lives. I hope you never stop learning.

I spent my whole talk discussing our personal journey of conversion. It is remarkably similar to the doctrine of Christ. Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost followed by enduring to the end. We keep following that path and it continues our personal journey of conversion. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Reflection Quiz

I was in bishopric meeting today and as we sang this song it caused me to reflect deeply. I have been very familiar with preach my gospel and the chapter on Christlike attributes. Especially the quiz section as a tool to reflect on how we are in our own lives. Then I thought of the words and how this is another self reflecting quiz that can enable us to reflect and grade ourselves on how we are doing, and where we  could improve. Think of the words in that way. How would you grade yourself?

1. More holiness give me,

More strivings within,

More patience in suff’ring,

More sorrow for sin,

More faith in my Savior,

More sense of his care,

More joy in his service,

More purpose in prayer.

2. More gratitude give me,

More trust in the Lord,

More pride in his glory,

More hope in his word,

More tears for his sorrows,

More pain at his grief,

More meekness in trial,

More praise for relief.

3. More purity give me,

More strength to o’ercome,

More freedom from earth-stains,

More longing for home.

More fit for the kingdom,

More used would I be,

More blessed and holy--

More, Savior, like thee.

Is has been quite the week. Busy as ever at work, and challenging as I shift roles to do very different things and spend more time on leading and challenging and supporting than doing projects as of myself. I have done that in a way before, but it has been some time. 

I got the trim work finished as Kingreys to complete the parts that he could not do, or was not comfortable doing. That was part of Saturday and then we shopped for food storage and hauled that around during a better part of the rest of the day. And my body feels all of it. Getting old has its pros and cons. 

We had BYD tonight and we have so many questions they ask that we are getting behind in having time to answer them. Really good questions and really good discussions from all the youth. It's great to have so many that work so hard to discover for themselves. 

I had a remarkable experience during the sacrament today. The power of the atonement is so real, and the power in our lives to exercise faith for ourselves and others became so real. Sometimes our own pleading can be exquisite as we exercise faith and draw upon the blessings of heaven. They become real in our lives as we step forward with an eye of faith. 

This weekend is the barn campout for the YM. I am suffering parental withdrawals as these things happen and I have no son to go with me. It's a challenging time for me. It's really an adjustment that I am not prepared for. It has been so long. 

Thank you for all you do. The choices you make, the good you do for others, the joy you bring to me. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4

Wonderful Week

This was awesome!  Mom got home from a wonderful week being able to see Skjelse and Jeff and that was so nice. I am glad we have both of you!

I had a fun time with Ty and Alysia as we worked the week without mom. We don't do near as good a job but we made it. Alysia was a gem to cook so much, and she did wonderfully. We sort of kept up on laundry and dishes. Ty helped shop when we needed a few things. We certainly did our best by happy to have the master back. There is so much that happens in a home and I am eternally grateful that mom is such a good one at organizing a home where peace prevails.  I also got to talk to Kieren a couple times since mom was not home I answered the calls. Short calls as she walked home but nice to hear about things in life. 

This weekend was one of the two best of the year. I love conference and all that comes from it. I appreciated many of the talks in many different ways. Some for me personally, some for our family, and some for my calling. It always helps me look forward with a brighter outlook for the future. I appreciated Pres. Uchtdorf's talk at the women's meeting on fourth floor, last door.  And the way we need to keep moving forward regardless of the challenges along the way. Whether a challenge in our life, a question we have, or other things, we need to persevere and the blessing will come. I also liked Elder Stevenson and the challenge to replace some of the screen time in our lives with a study of the Book of Mormon. There were many others with messages that helped me consider what I need to do differently to be a better person. 

It was a crazy week at work also. It is the time of year that we do annual performance reviews. So I had to do mine, as well as add the supervisor comments to 7 others and to deliver the review to those 7 and so it took a huge chunk of the week. Plus the rest of the work does not stop. But all in all it's going well. I see more and more how what I learn in the gospel makes me better at work. To be wiser, more supportive, more of a critical thinker, and more of a leader and follower at the same time. I am grateful to have the gospel that helps in all aspects of my life. 

I have seen this week how we can use the atonement to heal so many things. From small to great it can help move us beyond the dismay or the discouragement to see a brighter future. 

Love you all forever, nothing can change that. 

Dad

3 John 1:4

Crossing the threshold

I had a great week but the end of the week was even better. I was gone all week for work, and I am so glad to be back home. I love it here. I really am a homebody. 

It was really nice last night to talk to Skjelse for so long. It was so nice to hear such a positive outlook regardless of the circumstances. Sometimes we just have to be grateful IN our circumstances. 

While I was away I was able to get a bunch of Belgian chocolate from the factory close by our work there. It's the factory blems that I get but they are delicious. We have to be careful to eat it slowly!

While headed out to a dinner we stopped at the American cemetery monument at Henri-Chappell. As we walked toward the burial grounds we went through a pillar and roof section and when we crossed the threshold the most remarkable spirit washed over me. It was so unexpected and so powerful. It was a sacred experience to reflect upon the nearly 8,000 dead buried there, and the additional nearly 5,000 that are missing in action that are engraved on the pillars. 

I even found one with the spelling like Skjelse for their last name. 

I didn't expect it to be much of a stop, but it had a very sacred feel and the way they kept the grounds was remarkable. What care they give it in respect for the fallen buried there. It was impeccable.  

We had a nice time doing a garage sale for Larry Scott. Not really a sale, it was a giveaway. So I spent my time trying to get people to take more stuff. It was funny. Tons of things from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Some seriously vintage stuff. We got people who wanted about 2/3 of it and then took the rest to goodwill. We also earmarked the value of it for the refugees in the area.  

I got to have a home cooked Italian meal when I was over in Europe. I work with Enrico Fracarri and he invited me over. I had asked him in the past what they really eat on a normal day. So we made the meal for me. It was wonderful. He, his wife and Matteo their baby. We had pasta with a tomato sauce with bacon and onion that tasted very different but really good. Then this dish (with picture) which I forgot the name but was really good. Thin cut veal topped with prosciutto and basil. The they fry it from one side, then just enough on the other to crispy it up good. It was wonderful.

 I learned in Italy they always have the correct order of dishes, and they do one dish at a time. Not all on the plate like we do. But do the pasta first, then meat, then salad, then sweet. Not necessarily all required, but in that order. It was very nice. 

I had a wonderful Sunday with great councils to help with direction and decisions. Bishopric, Ward council, and bishops youth council. All were really good today with open discussion and lots of input. I really like it when many will share their insight and viewpoints before we make decisions. We also had the primary program today. It's always a pleasure and fun to witness. I had to give closing remarks which I expected to be super short because I thought they would be way over. But they ended 15 minutes early. Scramble!!!  I took up about 5 or so on the spot but then just let us end early. But a really nice day. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4 (I got to use that in an interview today:))